Vehicle with selective load-height and dumping capabilities

ABSTRACT

An agricultural vehicle comprises a container carried on opposite sides by linkages for ensuring parallel lifting and lower of the container. The container is adapted to be tipped for the discharge of its contents. The container has a linkage which can be locked as to elevation and means for tilting the linkage and load at any elevation of the latter.

Umted States Patent 1 1 ,685,674 Bruer et al. [451 Aug. 22, 1972 [54] VEHICLE WITH SELECTIVE LOAD- [56] References Cited ggig gfi g UNITED STATES PATENTS 72 Inventors: Dirk Bruer Gmtmad-n 1,294,798 2/1919 Harvey ..298/1 1 l 1 fried, schaigle; Ernst fizg fi 2,672,247 3/1954 Jewett ..214/314 both f Singen; Heinz Homweger, 3,036,865 5/1962 Stone ..298/11 Gottmadingen all of Germany Wells [73] Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Fahr Aktien- FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS l h tt if GO madmgen' 203,878 6/1959 Germany ..214/314 669,677 6/1935 Germany ..224/48 D [22] Filed: Jan. 26, 1970 2 App] 5 77 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Lawrence .l. Oresky 30 Foreign Application Priority Data MOWYTKM Jan. 31, 1969 Germany ..P 19 04 830.7 [57] ABSTRACT [52] 8 Cl 214/314 214/315 214/390 An agricultural vehicle comprises a container carried 298/l0 298/1 on opposite sides by linkages for ensuring parallel lift- 51 Int. Cl ..'.B65 g 65/36 ing and 0f the container- The cmtainer is [58] Field of Search "214/312, 314, 390, 502, adapted to be tipped for the discharge of its contents. 9 0 1 1 The container has a linkage which can be locked as to elevation and means for tilting the linkage and load at any elevation of the latter.

l4 Claim, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEBmszzssvz 3.685.674

same or 4 VEHICLE WITH SELECTIVE LOAD-HEIGHT AND DUMPING CAPABILITIES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to agricultural and other vehicles and, more particularly, though not exclusively, to vehicles comprising a frame and a lifting linkage for the transport, stacking and/or tipping of containers or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Such vehicles have long been conventional for the transport of the most varied types of goods. However,

to date there has been a requirement for such a vehicle which is particularly adapted for agricultural transport purposes. One object of the invention is to provide a vehicle of this general type which can be adapted in use to different heights of stacking or tipping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect the present invention consists in a vehicle comprising a frame, a load-supporting linkage on the frame which can be set at different vertical positions, and means connecting the linkage with the frame for enabling the linkage and a load on it to be tilted about a horizontal axis in relation to the frame. With such an arrangement it is possible to tip the container to dump its contents, at the required height.

In accordance with a preferred version of the invention the vehicle comprises longitudinal beams and the linkage comprises two pairs of links which are pivoted together between their ends so as to intersect, lower ends of the links being pivoted on the beams and being arranged to be held at various angular positions by the locking means.

If it is desired to move the lip of the container over which the load is discharged, during discharge, the vehicle can comprise pivot means connecting the means with the frame for pivoting movement about its transverse axis to the rear of the vehicle. V

In accordance with a further feature of the invention one link in each pair of links is attached to one of the beams so as to be capable of pivoting and sliding on it and can be locked in relation to the beam and the frame.

Two beams can be provided lying on the frame and additionally upper beams connecting the top ends of the intersecting links in each pair can be present. However, it is possible to dispense with this upper pair of beams if the load carrying container is provided with a downwardly facing shoulder under which upper ends of the links lie, one link in each pair of links having an upper end pivoting on the container while the upper end of the other link of the pair engages the shoulder means in a manner which allows relative horizontal movement. The shoulder means can be in form of means defining a horizontal trough on each side of the container. The vehicle can further comprise rollers, on the upper ends of the links, which run in the two troughs. The upper ends of the other links can fit into downwardly opening pockets on the side of the container.

If it is desirable for the container to be moved forwardly as it is raised, the troughs can be at the front eta:

upper ends of two links, while the lower ends of these links are adjacent to the locking means. If, on the other hand, it is desired that the container should be moved vertically, the troughs can be at the front of the container and the locking means can be arranged underneath the troughs, that is to say on the lower ends of the other links.

In order to ensure that the intersecting links are as stable as possible, the two front upper ends of the intersecting links can be connected by a cross-bar with each other, the ends of these links being pivoted underneath a rim on the container.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the rear upper ends of the two opposite links cooperate with the troughs, and the locking means are at lower opposite ends of these links. With this construction the container is moved to the rear when its vertical position is changed.

If the container is to be moved vertically, a further possibility is for the rear upper ends of two opposite links to cooperate with the troughs while the locking means are at the rear end of the frame.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention the stability of the linkage comprised by the intersecting links can be increased by providing cross-bars connecting corresponding upper ends of the links at opposite sides of the container. In this arrangement upper ends of two corresponding links on opposite sides of the container fit in slots in the container to allow relative sliding and pivoting movement. In order to displace the container to the rear when it is raised in order to facilitate dumping, its contents, the slots, which can be provided in upper beams of the vehicle, can be at the rear so as to cooperate with upper rear ends of the links while the locking means are provided at the front of the container at the opposite ends of the same links.

If, on the other hand, the container should be arranged to be moved vertically, the longitudinal slots and the locking means can be provided at the front ends of longitudinal beams.

In order to ensure maximum filling of the container, there can be a provision for ensuring that it is moved vertically while remaining parallel to itself.

If the vehicle is not only to be designed fortipping the container at different heights, but also for taking up the container from the ground and depositing again, the frame can be forked-shaped with three limbs to be aligned with three sides of the container on picking the container up.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first vehicle, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial sections on the lines IIII and IIIIII of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are sections on the lines VV and VIVI.

FIGS. 7 to 9 each represent a side view of a further embodiment of the invention with certain modifications.

FIG. 10 is a plan view, looking in the direction of the arrow X of FIG. 8.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION In the drawing (particularly FIG. 1) of a vehicle, generally representative of the embodiments of the invention. comprises a forked-shaped frame 1, which can, however, also be constructed as a load platform. The vehicle comprises at least one axle with two wheels 2 arranged at the ends of the frame. At the end of the frame opposite the wheels, the frame can be connected with a towing vehicle (not shown). Such a possibility is, however, not intended to exclude the arrangement, if required, of one or two front wheels which can be steered Over the two longitudinal parts of the frame lower carrying beams 3, also arranged longitudinally, are provided. In the case of the embodiment of the invention in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3 each longitudinal beam is attached to the end of the frame 1 by means of a joint 4. Both joints 4 are aligned so as to form or define a horizontal axis about which the longitudinal beam 3 can be swung in relation to the frame 1. The opposite end of the longitudinal beams 3 are connected by separate disconnectable connections 5 with the frame.

The two longitudinal beams 3 each carry scissor linkages denoted by general reference numeral 6. These linkages, which are adapted to allow vertical movement of a container 16, consist each of two intersecting links 7 and 8. The lower end of the intersecting link 7 is pivoted on the longitudinal frame 3 at 9 adjacent to the joint 4. The upper end of the intersecting link 8 pivots at one end of the upper longitudinal beam 10 at 11. The other ends of the intersecting links 7 and 8 each run in longitudinal slots 12 in the lower beam 3 and in longitudinal slots 13 in the upper longitudinal beam 10. The joint connection 14 of the upper end of the intersecting link 8 is so arranged that it can be locked in any desired position along the length of the longitudinal slot 12. It thus forms a locking mechanism or part of a locking means. This possibility of locking can also be limited to certain positions, for example a central position and the ends of the slot 12. Between the frame 1 and each intersecting link 7 a hydraulic cylinder 15 is provided, which can be actuated by the supply of hydraulic liquid via ducts and valves (not shown), for example from the towing tractor. On the two upper longitudinal beams 10 there rests a container 16 with a rim 17. In order to prevent displacement of the container 16 on, and relative to, the upper longitudinal beams 10 on inclination of the beams it is possible to provide a locking mechanism 18.

In the case of the constructions in accordance with FIGS. 4 to 7 the upper ends of the intersecting links 7 and 8 are connected directly with the container 16, that is to say without the interposition of the longitudinal beams. This provides for a particularly simple and cheap construction. For this purpose a running rail 19 is provided on each side wall of the container 16 and between the rail 19 and the rim 17, which together form a trough, there runs a roller 20 which is arranged on the upper end of the intersecting link 7. The upper end of the other intersecting link 8 is located by means of a stud 21 in a notch made in a lug 22 or pocket arranged on the container 16. In the case of this construction the guide slot 12 and the joint connection 14 are at the lower end of the intersecting link 7. In the case of this embodiment of the invention as well as the linkage 7,8 can be tipped together with the container 16 about the two joints 4 after setting the desired vertical position and releasing the connection 5. In the case of this arrangement the container 16 moves in a forward direction on being raised. The load on the tow-bar is increased and the axle of the wheels 2 has less load imposed upon it.

The construction of the invention shown in FIG. 7 differs in that the linkage, that is to say the intersecting links 7 and 8, is differently connected with the longitudinal beam 3 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 1 as regards the connection of the intersecting links with the container 16.

The construction in accordance with FIG. 8 differs from that in accordance with FIG. 7 in that the rails 19 are associated with the intersecting links 8, while the upper ends of the intersecting links 7 are connected by a transverse bar 23 which increases the stability of the linkage. This bar 23 is enveloped by the rim 24 in order to prevent longitudinal displacement of the container 16. When the container is raised, it moves to the rear. As regards tilting this presents an advantage, as the lip or edge of the container over which the load is discharged is displaced to the rear of the wheels. The joint connection to the fore is less likely to be dirtied by the wheels of the vehicle.

The construction in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 9 differs from that in accordance with FIG. 8 in that, as is the case with the construction of FIG. 4, the intersecting links 7 and 8 are carried on the longitudinal beam 3.

In use the vehicle in accordance with the invention is driven up to the container 16 resting on the ground until the two limbs, which are parallel, of the forkedshaped frame 1 are aligned with the two sides of the container. By operating the hydraulic cylinder 15 the two longitudinal beams 10 come to engage the undersurface of the rim 17 of the container 16 and the container is raised. In the case of an embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 4 to 7, that is to say without upper longitudinal beams, the frame 1 is so driven up to the container that the studs 21 at the upper end of the corresponding intersecting links 8 come to lie underneath the lugs 22 of the container 16. On raising the linkage, the studs 21 run into the lugs 22, thus preventing longitudinal displacement of the container 16. In the case of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, on raising the linkage, the transverse bar 23 comes to lie underneath the rim 24 portion which is transverse, and thus prevents longitudinal displacement of the container.

In all embodiments of the invention provided with rollers 20 at the upper end of the intersecting links 7 or 8, the rollers come to lie under the rim 17 and on continuing the raising of the linkage run into the troughs formed between the rails 19 and the rim. This prevents lateral displacement of the container. Raising of the container 16 is continued until the desired height for transport has been attained. In this position the joint connection 14, constituting a locking means, is locked by tightening it. If the container 16 is to be tipped while in this position, the connection 5 is undone, so that on continued actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 15 the linkage 6 together with the container 16 is tipped about the joints 4 to the rear. The linkage 6 can be locked by tightening the joint connection 14 at other heights, for

example to allow of stacking several containers 16 on top of one another. Tilting of the container 16 is possible in each of these settings of the locking means or mechanism. After the container has been emptied, the container 16 and the linkage 6 are swung back into their former positions by releasing liquid from the hydraulic cylinder 15, or the container can be set down on the ground again.

If the frame 1 is formed of a load-carrying platform, the same operations are possible but the lifting of the container from the ground and the replacement of the container on the ground cannot be carried out in the labor-saving manner described.

The lengths of the intersecting links 7 and 8 and the positions of their joints can be such as to cause vertical movement of the container to be parallel to itself.

What we claim is:

1. A vehicle comprising a frame, a load-supporting linkage on the frame which can be set at different vertical positions, first means connecting the linkage with the frame for enabling the linkage and a load on it to be tilted about a horizontal axis in relation to the frame, linkage-locking means, said first means comprising longitudinal beams, said linkage comprising two pairs of links which are pivoted together between their ends so as to intersect, lower ends of the links being pivoted on the beams and being arranged to be held at various angular positions by the locking means, a load-carrying container with downwardly facing shoulder means under which upper ends of the links lie, one link in each of said pairs of links having an upper end pivoting on the container while the upper end of the other link in the pair engages the shoulder means in a manner allowing relative horizontal movement.

2. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, comprising pivot means connecting the beams with the frame for pivoting movement about a transverse axis situated at the rear of the vehicle.

3. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which one link in each pair of the links is attached to one of the beams so as to be capable of pivoting and sliding on it and can be locked in relation to the beam and the frame.

4. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the shoulder means are in the form of means defining horizontal troughs at the sides of the container, and the vehicle further comprises rollers, on the upper ends of two of the links, which run in the two troughs and the upper ends of the other links fit into downwardly opening notches at the sides of the container.

5. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the troughs, which are at the front of the container, cooperate with upper ends of two links whose lower ends are adjacent to the locking means.

6. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the troughs, which are at the front of the container cooperate with the upper ends of two of the links, while the lower ends of the other links cooperate with the locking means.

7. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a transverse bar connecting front upper ends of two of the links on opposite sides of the container, these ends being pivoted under a rim on the container.

8. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the rear upper ends of two links on opposite sides of the container cooperate with the troughs, and the locking means are at the lower opposite ends of these links.

9. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the rear upper ends of two opposite links cooperate with the troughs and the rear ends of the other links cooperate'with the locking means at the rear end of the frame.

. 10. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising cross-bars connecting corresponding opposite ends of the links on opposite sides of the container.

11. A vehicle in accordance with claim 8, in which upper ends of two corresponding links on opposite sides of the container fit into slots in the container to allow relative sliding and pivoting movement.

12. A vehicle in accordance with claim 11, further comprising longitudinal beams on opposite sides of the container adjacent to the top of the container, these beams being provided with the longitudinal slots at the rear of the container and connected with adjacent ends of two of the links so as to allow relative sliding means, while the lower ends of the other links cooperate with the locking means.

13. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the frame is forked-shaped and has three limbs arranged to be aligned with three sides of the container.

14. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the links are designed to guide vertical movement of the container so that the container remains parallel to itself. 

1. A vehicle comprising a frame, a load-supporting linkage on the frame which can be set at different vertical positions, first means connecting the linkage with the frame for enabling the linkage and a load on it to be tilted about a horizontal axis in relation to the frame, linkage-locking means, said first means comprising longitudinal beams, said linkage comprising two pairs of links which are pivoted together between their ends so as to intersect, lower ends of the links being pivoted on the beams and being arranged to be held at various angular positions by the locking means, a load-carrying container with downwardly facing shoulder means under which upper ends of the links lie, one link in each of said pairs of links having an upper end pivoting on the container while the upper end of the other link in the pair engages the shoulder means in a manner allowing relative horizontal movement.
 2. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, comprising pivot means connecting the beams with the frame for pivoTing movement about a transverse axis situated at the rear of the vehicle.
 3. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which one link in each pair of the links is attached to one of the beams so as to be capable of pivoting and sliding on it and can be locked in relation to the beam and the frame.
 4. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the shoulder means are in the form of means defining horizontal troughs at the sides of the container, and the vehicle further comprises rollers, on the upper ends of two of the links, which run in the two troughs and the upper ends of the other links fit into downwardly opening notches at the sides of the container.
 5. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the troughs, which are at the front of the container, cooperate with upper ends of two links whose lower ends are adjacent to the locking means.
 6. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the troughs, which are at the front of the container cooperate with the upper ends of two of the links, while the lower ends of the other links cooperate with the locking means.
 7. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a transverse bar connecting front upper ends of two of the links on opposite sides of the container, these ends being pivoted under a rim on the container.
 8. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the rear upper ends of two links on opposite sides of the container cooperate with the troughs, and the locking means are at the lower opposite ends of these links.
 9. A vehicle in accordance with claim 4, in which the rear upper ends of two opposite links cooperate with the troughs and the rear ends of the other links cooperate with the locking means at the rear end of the frame.
 10. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, further comprising cross-bars connecting corresponding opposite ends of the links on opposite sides of the container.
 11. A vehicle in accordance with claim 8, in which upper ends of two corresponding links on opposite sides of the container fit into slots in the container to allow relative sliding and pivoting movement.
 12. A vehicle in accordance with claim 11, further comprising longitudinal beams on opposite sides of the container adjacent to the top of the container, these beams being provided with the longitudinal slots at the rear of the container and connected with adjacent ends of two of the links so as to allow relative sliding means, while the lower ends of the other links cooperate with the locking means.
 13. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the frame is forked-shaped and has three limbs arranged to be aligned with three sides of the container.
 14. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1, in which the links are designed to guide vertical movement of the container so that the container remains parallel to itself. 